SPY OS 



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REPORTS OF 

THE FOREST PARK RESERVATION COMMISSION 

OF NEW JERSEY 



FOREST PLANTING 

IN NEW JERSEY 



BY 

ALFRED GASKILL 
State Forester 




UNION niLL, N. J. 
DISPATCH PRINTING COMPANY. 

1913. 



REPORTS OF 

THE FOREST PARK RESERVATION COMMISSION 

OF NEW JERSEY 



FOREST PLANTING 



IN NEW JERSEY 



BY 

ALFRED GASKILL 
State Forester 




UNION HILL, X. J. 
DISPATCH PRINTING COMPANY. 

1913. 






oS 



D. OF 0, 
OCT 1 I91S 



.5:^ 



0» 



The Forest Park Reservation Commission. 



Hon. JAMES F. FIELDER, Acting Governor, ex-oMcio President. 
HENRY B. KUMMEL, Trenton, Executive OMcer. 
ELMER H. SMITH, Salem. 
CHARLES L. PACK, Lakewood. 
WILLIAM W. SMALLEY, Bound Brook. 



ALFRED GASKILL, Trenton, State Forester and Secretary. 
JAMES O. HAZARD, Trenton, Assistant Forester. 
CHARLES P. WILBER, Trenton, State Firewarden. 
Office, State House, Trenton. 



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CONTENTS. 

PAC.r. 

The Need of Planting, 7 

Where Planting is Proper, 7 

Shade Trees not Considered, 7 

No Quick Riches, 8 

Climate and Soils, 8 

What to Plant, 8 

Pure or Mixed Forest ? 8 

Evergreens or Deciduous Trees ? 9 

Quick Growers, 9 

Nut Trees, 9 

Choice of Species, 10 

Specific Descriptions, 10-13 

Trees not Recommended, 13 

How to Establish a Forest, 15 

Sowing Seed, 15 

Best to Plant Small Trees, 15 

Preparing the Ground, 15 

Size of Trees, 15 

How to Order Trees, 15 

How to Handle Trees Before They Are Planted, 15 

Heeling-in, 16 

Spacing, 17 

Planting (Outplanting) 18 

Puddling, 18 

Clefts 18 

Crew, 18 

Lining out, 18 

Planting, 19 

Intervals, 20 

Speed in Planting, 20 

Subsequent Care 20 

Cutting Back, 20 

Time to Plant, 21 

A Forest Nursery 21 

Location, Soil, 21 

The Kind of Plants to Buy 21 

Planting (Transplanting) 21 

Cultivation, 22 

The Second Year, 22 

Purpose of a Nursery, 23 

The Cost of a Plantation, 23 

Where to Get Material for Forest Planting 24 

The Profit in Planted Forests 26-28 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Fig. I. — The Kind of Land that Should Be Restored to Forest, 7 

Fig. 2. — Trees for Forest Planting 9 

Fig. 3. — A Forest Nursery, 9 

Fig. 4. — Diagram, Heeling-in 16 

Fig. 5. — Diagram, Square Planting, 17 

Fig. 6. — Diagram, Triangular Planting 17 

Fig. 7. — Diagram, Cleft Planting 18 

Fig. 8. — Diagram, Area to be Planted 19 

Fig. 9. — Diagram, Furrow Planting, and Slit Planting, 22 

Fig. 10. — Eight Examples of Planted Forests 2i 

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STATE AID IN FORESTRY. 



The Forest Commission wants to assist farmers^ and all 
woodland owners, to practice forestry. See offer on page 28. 



Forest Planting in New Jersey. 

THE NEED OF PLANTING. 

The Forest Commission lays little stress upon forest planting 
because the State's woodland area is now as great as it should 
be, and because it is easier, cheaper, and, for the present, better 
to make good forests out of the abused and neglected natural 
forests. To do this requires, in most cases, no outlay; simply 
protection against fire and proper thinnings at the proper time 
are enough. The result will rarely be as good, silviculturally, 
as from a planted forest, but the crop will come quicker and it 
will cost less. 

Where planting is proper. There are places and conditions, 
however, that justify planting; they are where land cleared for 
cultivation or pasture is found unfit, or is no longer wanted, and 
where forest is desired for pleasure or to simplify the adminis- 
tration of an estate (Fig. i). In the first case the land, being fit 
for nothing but forest — true forest soil, would naturally have a 
low value; a plantation therefore should be expected to yield a 
profit. In the latter cases satisfaction rather than profit Avould 
be the object. 

Underplanting, or filling gaps, in woodlots is often advisable. 
The procedure is the same as in open plantations but greater 
care in the choice of species is required on account of the de- 
ficient light afforded — see tolerance, p. 9. 

Shade trees not considered. The present discussion deals 
solely with the production of timber. Beauty and shade are en- 
tirelv apart. 

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FOREST PLANTING. 



NO QUICK RICHES. 



Intending forest planters are reminded that an investment in 
forestry will yield returns in proportion to the skill and wisdom 
that underlie it ; that the income from a plantation may equal 
from four to eight per cent., compound interest, yet can rarely 
be more because there is a limit to the rate at which trees grow. 
Sure, steady, moderate returns, rather than quick riches are al- 
ways the foresters aim. See p. 25. 

CLIMATE AND SOILS. 

The climate of New Jersey is everywhere suitable for many 
kinds of trees, and highly favorable to some. No part is too 
hot, too cold, or too dry to produce vigorous trees. 

Its soils, on the contrary, are very diverse, and make neces- 
sary a careful adaptation of species to local conditions. No 
part of the upland, except the beaches and about 25,000 acres 
on " The Plains." is incapable of svipporting a forest of some 
kind. Even the sandy soils of the pine section are less sterile 
than is commonly supposed. Solely for the guidance of tree 
planters the soils of the State may be divided into six classes. 
See p. [4. 

WHAT TO PLANT. 

When a forest is founded by Nature one wisely uses what he 
finds ; when a forest is to be planted the aim should be to choose 
the best for given conditions. 

Pure or mixed forests? Many foresters advocate mixed plant- 
ings (two or more species) upon the ground that that is Na- 
ture's way. that one species helps another, that insects and dis- 
ease do less harm than in pure (one species) forests. All these 
arguments have weight, yet most authorities now favor com- 
paratively small groups of a single species, each group repre- 
senting the fittest tree when climate, soil, markets and all other 
factors are considered. Under this rule pure forests of several 
hundred acres may be established. For these reasons, and be- 
cause it is hard to determine the character and proportions of a 
mixed forest without a careful study of local conditions, only 
pure forest plantations are here considered. 






Fig. 2. TREES FOR FOREST PLANTING. 
-Two-year-old Pine Seedling: It is healthy but not sturdy and has long 
slender roots. 2. — Four-year-old Pine Transplant: Vigorous, sturdy, 
well-compacted roots. 3. — Four-year-old Spruce Transplant: Not so 
large as the pine but capable of making a good growth. 




Fig. 3. A FOREST NURSERY. 
Scotch Pine at right, Norway Spruce, left. All two years old. 



FOREST I'LANTING. 9 

Evergreens or deciduous trees? An impression prevails that 
black walnut, white oak, black cherry, hickory, etc., are the most 
profitable trees to grow because their woods bring high prices. 
If the available land is suited to these trees it may be so used, 
yet such trees grow well only on strong agricultural soil of 
which there is, or soon will be in this State, none to spare. If 
we deal with true forest soils the conifers or evergreens will 
yield more per acre and year than any others. Pine of some 
sort is the world's most valuable wood, and always will be, be- 
because it satisfies most needs. Pine is best for planting in 
South Jersey because it is suited to the sandy soils, and it is best 
for planting in North Jersey because it produces more wood in 
less time than any deciduous tree. Spruce and fir are almost as 
valuable, and may be used as variants. 

Tolerance. In forest planting, as in every branch of silvicul- 
ture, the innate qualities of each tree species with respect to 
sunlight must be considered. Some ; pines, ash, cottonwood, 
will endure little shade from other trees ; they are called light- 
requiring or intolerant : others ; spruce, fir, beech, are less par- 
ticular and are called shade-enduring or tolerant (of shade). 
Tolerant trees when well grown always have more ])ranches 
than intolerant trees, but more of them can thrive on a given 
area. An intolerant species must never be planted where it will 
lack light. 

Quick growers. By all means use the species that will give 
quickest returns, but bear in mind that rapid growth is usually 
a response to stimulation through fertile soil, abundant mois- 
ture, excess of warmth, etc. Cottonwood grows rapidly in moist 
soil ; it will fail where it is dry. Catalpa requires warmth, fer- 
tility and moisture for its full development. White pine thrives 
on a medium soil, yet on poor soil may fall behind pitch pine. 

Nut Trees. Nut culture is not forestry, but a branch of hor- 
ticulture. A tree developed for fruit has too much crown to 
produce good lumber; one grown tall and straight for lumber 
has too little crown to yield much fruit. Dismiss, therefore, all 
thought of combining the two crops. Let fruit (including nuts) 
be grown where that is likely to be profitable and the trees can 
be given the care that they need. Trees for lumber are satis- 
fied with poorer soil and much less care. Of course, fair crops 



10 FOREST PLANTING. 

of nuts may be, and often are, produced by forest trees. 

Choice of Species^ For most situations in New Jersey let the 
choice be limited to the following species. Their qualities and 
values are known ; others may be as good, but are less sure. 

White Pine. (Pinus strobus.) This is unquestionably the 
most promising tree for forest planting. Its silvical qualities 
adapt it to any but the poorest soils, its growth rate is high and 
tolerance considerable. All this results in a large timber pro- 
duction at a comparatively early age. A yield of 30 M board 
feet per acre at 50 years is not excessive. The one drawback is 
that a dangerous disease threatens the species. For the present 
it is recommended that white pine be planted in moderate quan- 
tity only. 

Red Pine or Norivay Pine. (Pinus resinosa.) A tree that in 
many ways promises to be quite as valuable as white pine. Its 
wood is a little heavier, but is also stronger. The tree is not 
so rapid a grower, and in maturity the forest is less dense, but 
the individual trees are apt to be taller and their stems clearer. 
A yield of 30 M board feet per acre at 60 years may be expected. 
The tree has no dangerous enemies. 

Scotch Pine. (Pinus sylvestris.) This is the common pine of 
Europe. It thrives on good soil, and makes a fair growth on 
the poorest. It is especially vigorous when young. The wood 
is practically like that of red pine, consequently sure of a mar- 
ket in any form. A yield of 25 M board feet per acre at 50 
years should be obtained from a plantation established under 
fair conditions. 

Austrian Pine. (Pinus laricio.) A much heavier-set tree 
than any of the others, and generally appreciated for its good 
looks. The species is adaptable to poor soils, especially lime- 
stone rocks. The stem cleans about as well as white pine. 
The yield is somewhat less. 

Pitch Pine. (Pinus rigida.) The common pine of South 
Jersey and of the mountain ridges in North Jersey. It is by no 
means the valueless tree that many imagine. The wood is resin- 
ous, but strong and fairly durable, and is in demand always for 
construction lumber and box boards. The rate of growth de- 
pends largely upon the soil. On poor sand it is naturally rela- 
tively slow, but its great value is that it is highlv fire resist- 



FOREST PLANTING. U 

ant. The tree should be fostered wherever found and may be 
planted on land too poor for other species, or where the fire 
risk continues. 

Loblolly Pine. (Pinus taeda.) A tree native of the Southern 
states, where it grows with marvelous rapidity. Recent experi- 
ments indicate that it can be grown successfully in South Jer- 
sey and in sheltered situations, but for the present it is recom- 
mended only for experimental planting. 

Shortleaf Pine. (Pinus echinata.) The species found in Cen- 
tral and South Jersey, usually mixed with oaks, on the better 
soils. It is comparable in most respects with red pine, and in 
South Jersey may be planted as an alternative. 

Norway Spruce. (Picea excelsa.) The common spruce of 
Europe. A tree of great economic value because its wood is 
soug-ht for paper pulp as well as for lumber, and because, by 
reason of its tolerance, it is able to grow in, close stands. It 
requires fairly strong soil, and thrives on ground much moister 
than is acceptable to any of the pines. (It will not grow where the 
ground is constantly wet.) This species is preferable to any of the 
native spruces. The average yield on suitable soil is about 30 
M board feet at 60 years. 

Douglas Fir. (Pseudotsuga taxifoHa.) Stock from Rocky 
Mountain seed only should be used. That from Pacific Coast 
seed is apt to be frosted. The tree grows at about the same 
rate as the Norway spruce, though the stands are not quite so 
dense. The wood is tough and strong, comparing favorably 
with red pine or shortleaf pine. From the best information 
available, a yield of 25 M board feet at 60 years should be ob- 
tained on fair soil. 

European Larch. (Larix europaea.) A tree especially valu- 
able on account of the durability of its wood. Unlike the East- 
ern American species, it requires well drained as well as fairly 
strong soil. It is advised for planting where the extinction of 
chestnut is likely to create a demand for posts, poles, etc. A 
yield of 20 M board feet at 60 years may be expected. 

Balsam, Fir. (Abies balsamea or Abies pectinata.) The first 
is the native species ; the second the European. They are valu- 
able on account of their adaptability to moist land, high degree 
of tolerance, and production of a wood that is about as usefwl 



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FOREST PLANTING. 



as spruce. In many situations the plantations may be made 
with a view to marketing Christmas trees, for which either spe- 
cies is preferred. A mixture of balsam and spruce with a view 
to removing the former at lo or 15 years, leaving the latter to 
grow to timber size, would often prove advisable. 

Cottonwood. (Populus deltoides.) The so-called Carolina 
poplar, a tree of very rapid growth on moist soil — of little value 
where it is dry. It should be planted not less than 10 feet apart, 
either pure or mixed with a more tolerant species suited to the 
same conditions. A yield of 25 M board feet in 30 years may 
be expected. 

Red Oak. (Quercus rubra.) Probably the most promising 
deciduous tree for soils of moderate fertility. Its wood has a 
recognized value for many purposes, and apparently is the most 
available for railroad ties. A yield of 20 M board feet, or 700 
railroad ties, per acre in 40 years is possible. 

Tulip Poplar. (Liriodendron tulipifera.) The most valuable 
soft wood deciduous tree. It requires strong, well-drained soils, 
but when planted in such situations grows vigorously. As the 
wood is used generally for cabinet work and fine box l)oards, 
trees less than 16" diameter, breast-high, have comparatively 
little value. Properly made plantations should yield 30 M 
board feet per acre at 50 years. 

JJ^hitc Ash. (Fraxinus Americana.) This tree grows vigor- 
ously on ground too wet for cultivation. Its wood is in constant 
demand on account of its toughness and elasticity. As sapwood 
is even more valuable than heartwood, the trees can be mar- 
keted when comparatively young. Ten M board feet, or 20 
cords, at 25 years are easily possible. 

Hickory. (Hicoria laciniosa, [shellbark,] H.alba, [bullnut,] H. 
glabra, [pig nut.]) The first grows on moist land, the two latter 
on drier ground, but all require considerable fertility for a satis- 
factory development. The wood is highly valuable for ve- 
hicles and tool handles, and is preferred when young rather than 
when old. Where conditions are favorable, no crop is likely 
to be more valuable than one of hickory. It will usually be 
marketed in the form of billets and measured by the cord. A 
yield of 15 cords in 25 years may be expected. 

Basswood. (Tilia americana.) A tree in many respects sim- 



FOREST PLANTING. 13 

ilar to tulip poplar, though rather less rapid in growth. It may 
be planted as an alternative or variant. 

Locust (Robinia pseudacacia) is in demand everywhere for 
posts and railroad ties. The trees grow with marvelous ra- 
pidity for a few years on any but the poorest soils, but soon slack 
up. They are, moreover, almost invariably attacked by a boring 
insect. Plantations should be made with a view to harvesting 
the crop at about 15 years of age. Two thousand posts per acre 
is a fair yield. 

Trees not recommended. A few trees entirely unfit for eco- 
nomic planting in New Jersey are so persistently boomed that 
their real qualities should be known. 

Catalpa. Grows very rapidly on rich, moist soil and in a 
mild climate. In North Jersey its late growth is apt to be 
frozen ; in South Jersey only the best soils are fit. Its wood is 
valuable only for posts and poles, being very durable, but weak. 

Black IValnut. The wood is valuable only when cut from the 
heart of large, old trees. A tree 40 years old might be 12 inches 
in diameter yet contain only a 4-inch cylinder of brown wood. 
The sapwood of young black walnut is very wide, light in color 
and unmarketable. 

Sihrr (JVhite) Maple. The tree requires good soil, while its 
wood is weak, perishable and of little value. In fact, no maple 
is worth planting for lumber in New Jersey. 

Eucalyptus. No species is adapted to conditions in this State. 
The quick growing kinds are as sensitive to frost as orange trees. 



14 



FOREST PLAXTING. 



SPECIES RECOMMENDED FOR VARIOUS LOCATIONS. 



Poor Soil 



Dry sand with lit- 
tle humus. ( Natural 
Pitch Pine land.) 



Very stony ground 
with little soil of 
any kind. 



Pitch Pine 
Austrian Pine 
Scotch Pine 



Medium Soil 



Sandy or gravelly 
loam, dry with little 
humus. (Natural 
Chestnut Oak land in 
South Jersey.) 



Ground of any 
kind naturally fresh, 
but exhausted by 
cropping or by fire. 
(Stones need not be 
considered.) 



White Pine 
Red Pine 
Shortleaf Pine 
Austrian Pine 
Scotch Pine 
Pitch Pine 



Norway Spruce 
(Avoid South slopes) 
Douglas Fir 
European Larch 
Silver Fir 
Balsam 



Tulip Poplar 
Red Oak 
Black Locust 



Cottonwood 
White Ash 
Hickory 
Basswood 



Good Soil 



Loam with some 
humus. (Good arable 
land.) 



Rich ground with 
standing water at 
times. 



Stones need not be considered. 



Any tree on the list 



Norway Spruce 
Balsam 
Cottonwood 
White Ash 
Shellbark Hickory 
Basswood 



FOREST PLANTING. 15 

HOW TO ESTABLISH A FOREST. 

As every item of cost in growing a forest must be carried as 
an investment at compound interest until the timber is mature, 
it is important to save every possible expense. 

Sowing Seed. The lowest initial cost is found when seeds 
are sown on the ground, yet neither that method nor planting 
the seeds in prepared spots gives good results. Birds, mice, dry 
weather and many adverse influences make it advisable to start 
with sturdy young trees. 

Best to Plant Small Trees. These may be grown in a home 
nursery or bought. Unless the quantity wanted is great, the 
latter is the better plan and as cheap in the long run. Ever- 
greens, in particular, require much skill to grow successfully. 

Preparing the Ground. Though trees undoubtedly grow bet- 
ter when planted in worked and fertilized soil, the practice is to 
omit everything of the kind on account of its cost. If the ground 
is very weedy or covered with brush, it may be mowed and 
burned over; that is all. 

Size of trees. There is no economy in large trees ; the only 
advantage they possess is that the plantation shows sooner. On 
the other hand, very small trees are handicapped by the weeds. 
A safe rule is to use plants about a foot high. Deciduous species 
may be larger, evergreens smaller. Of the latter those that 
have been transplanted are stronger and better rooted than 
seedlings and are to be preferred unless the cost is too great. See 
Fig. 2. 

How to Order Trees. If the number needed is not over five 
thousand, buy trees of the size required for planting and have 
them delivered at the time they are to be set. If the quantity 
is large, it may pay to get small seedlings and cultivate them for 
a year or two in a nursery (see p. 21). The latter plan has the 
further advantages that it produces strong, sturdy trees, and insures 
their being on the ground exactly when they are wanted. 

How to Handle Trees Before They Are Planted. When a tree 
is out of the ground its roots must never become dry. It is es- 
pecially important to guard evergreens since the foliage is active 
at all times and the draft upon the root moisture therefore con- 



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FOREST PLANTING. 



stant. Deciduous trees without leaves are less sensitive. In 
foliage they should never be moved. Nurserymen now make it 
a rule to leave a quantity of earth about the roots of all ever- 
greens over i8 inches high and keep it in place by a piece of 
sacking (ball plants), but this is not necessary with smaller 
plants if the roots are kept moist. When the box or package 
arrives, open it at once and thoroughly wet the contents. If 
planting is to be delayed more than forty-eight hours, take out 
the plants and heel them in in a convenient place to stay until 
wanted. 




Fig. 4. Heeling in Young Trees. A trench properly made and two layers of 
deciduous trees in place; the first is covered in; the second ready to be 
covered. Evergreen trees should have none of the foliage covered. 

Heeling In. This simply means putting a tree in the ground 
temporarily so that its roots shall not become dry before it can 
be regularly planted. \Yith a num])er of trees to heel in. dig a 
trench in moist soil. Let the front of the trench be on a 45" 
slope and somewhat deeper than the length of the tree roots. 
Then loosen the tree bundles and spread the trees along the 
sloping wall in a single row and an inch or two apart. Cover the 
roots and lower stems with earth taken from the trench and tamp 
it down firmly so that every root is embedded. Successive layers 
of trees may be put one on another, with two or three inches of 
earth between, if the quantity is too great for a single row. It 
dry weather comes, wet the earth freely. Trees of any kind 
can l)e kept in this way several weeks without injury. 



"ORI'.S'I' PLANTING. 



17 



Spacing. The proper interval between planted trees depends 
npon the habit of the species, the strength of the soil, the ex- 
])ected life of the plantation, etc. In this part of the country it 
is most usual to space 6 ft. by 6 ft. in squares. Cottonwood should 
have a little more room, locust a little less. The aim is to give 
each tree room to develop a good-sized crown, yet not so much 
that it will have big lower branches, or the plantation need 
thinning before the stems are large enough to be salable. Straight 
rows equalh' spaced, thus, 

O Q- O 00000 



O- 



-0 



O 



O 



O 



O 



O 



O 



00000000 
Fig. 5. Diagram Illustrating Tree Planting in Squares. 

are lietter than "staggered" rows or triangular spacing, thu- 
O Q- p 00000 



O 



o 



o 



o 



o 



o 



o 



o 



o 



o 



o 



0000000 

Fig. 6. Diagram Illustrating Tree Planting on Triangular Plan. 

because removals can be made more uniformly when the time 
for thinning comes. Wider intervals between the rows than 
within the rows are justified only when one element in a mixed 
l^lantation is intended to be removed early. 



TREES PER ACRE AT VARIOUS SPACTNGS. 



10 



3 feet X 3 

4 " X 4 

5 " X 5 

6 " X 6 
8 " X 8 

X 10 



feet 4840 trees 

" 2722 

" 1742 

" 1210 

" 680 

" 435 



J 8 FOREST PLANTING. 

Planting (Outplanting). It is well to work systematically 
though no more than a couple of thousand trees are to be set. 
As soon as the trees are brought on the ground mix a "puddle" 
and put the roots in it, leaving the tops in the air. "Puddle" 
is simply thin mud, preferably made of clay and water. It can 
be mixed in a tub or in a shallow pit. Provide baskets lined 
with wet moss or burlap, or pails, to carry the trees, and a 
heavy mattock or grub hoe for each planter — that is all. Bas- 
kets are lighter. If mattocks are not available, spades may be 
used, but not to dig holes; that costs too much, a cleft in the 
ground is enough. If the turf is close, or weeds very dense, "scalp" 
a square foot of ground where each tree is to stand. 

Clefts. A satisfactory cleft is most easily made by driving a 
hoe or mattock, having a blade nine or ten inches long and five 
inches wide, deeply into the ground, raising the end of the han- 
dle and slightly twisting it to loosen the earth below, then lifting 
the loosened clod an inch or two as the mattock is withdrawn. 





Fig. 7. Cleit Planting. The mattock should be driven in as shown by solid 
lines, then raised, as shown by broken lines, before it is withdrawn. The 
tree at right shows how the roots are embedded when cleft is closed. 

A spade driven straight down and then worked back and forth 
from the handle serves the same purpose, though less speedily. 

Crew. Crews of two planters and one boy to hand trees to 
them, with a man to set the line stakes for several such crews 
and to puddle the trees, are most effective. 

Lining-out. Let the line man set two stakes in each line, one 
at the edge of the plantation, the other 50 feet or more inside it. 
The planters then take their places at the opposite side of the 
plot and in line with the pairs of stakes. 



FOREST PLANTING. 



19 



Planting. Each planter sights over his two line stakes and 
drives his mattock into the ground at the proper point. After 
raising the handle, he slips one hand along to the head and 
with the other receives a tree from the basket boy. Then as the 
mattock is lifted with one hand the tree is put into the cleft with 
the other, the mattock is removed and the cleft closed with a 
stamp of the planter's heel. To spread the roots as much as 
possible, and not bunch them, it is well to put the tree deep into 
the cleft and before stamping withdraw it until the collar (the 
junction of stem and root) is about one inch below the ground 
surface. Two things must be observed: have each tree stand a 
little lower than it did in the nursery — never higher ; be sure the 
earth is set close about the roots and that the tree stands fairly 
upright. 




Fig. 8. Diagram of area to be planted. Two rows are finished, the planters 
are at work on two more. Line stakes have been set for six rows. 



20 FOREST PLANTING. 

Intervals. After the first tree is set let the planter move for- 
ward the required distance and again sighting for his line, make 
his second cleft, and so on. It is always possible to approxi- 
mate the required distance by pacing, by adding the length of 
the tool or of the tool and arm, to one, two or three steps. A 
six-foot interval can be fixed by taking one step forward and, 
writh both feet set, making a mattock stroke at arm's length, it 
is not necessary to attain precision in line or interval ; slight ir- 
regularities will be lost as the trees grow. 

Speed in Planting. With the help of a line man and basket 
boy, two planters should set 200 trees per hour unless the ground is 
very stony or heavily turfed. One man doing all the w^ork him- 
self should average 600 trees a day. But do not acquire speed at 
the expense of good work. Watch the planters that they do not 
get carelsss and leave the trees bent or half embedded. Better 
not plant at all than invite failure through carelessness. 

SUBSEQUENT CARE. 

A forest plantation ordinaril}- needs no cultivation or special 
care. Fires must be kept out, of course, and stock also, but no 
expense for culture is warranted unless more than the economic 
production of lumber is involved. 

Cutting Back. An exception to this rule is made when the 
growth of deciduous trees is slow. If each tree is cut off just 
above the ground the succeeding shoot is stronger and ulti- 
mately taller than the original would have been. 

Replacement. If as many as 30 per cent, of the trees die the 
gaps should be filled within two years. If the loss is less, and 
is fairly well distributed, filling is ordinarily not done. 

Cleaning. When a plantation is five or ten years old, some- 
times earlier, it may be necessary to go through it and cut out 
brtish, tree weeds and other undesirables. This should be done 
always, and only, when such growth interferes with the free 
development upzvards of the planted trees. Keep the crowns of 
the young trees free to the sunlight ; let low-growing brush and 
weeds alone. They stimulate height growth and shade the 
ground. 



FOREST PLAXTIXG. 21 

Thinning. No plantation made as here directed will need 
thinning before it is twenty years old. When the time ior that 
comes further advice should be sought. 

TIME TO PLANT. 

In this climate early spring, as soon as the frost is out of the 
ground, is best. Be ready so that no time need be lost. De- 
ciduous trees should never be taken from the ground while their 
leaves are on. Evergreens can be, and often are. planted suc- 
cessfully in late summer and early fall, but there is always dan- 
ger that the winds of winter, often very dry, will put too great a 
strain upon the weakened root system of any tree that is moved 
in the fall. Cloudy or wet weather is always better than bright 
sunshine. 

A FOREST NURSERY. 

Small trees can now be bought at prices so low that it rarely 
is advisable to grow them from seed. But one can save much 
money, and have the trees when they are wanted, by establish- 
ing a transplant nursery. 

Location, Soil. Choose a spot as for a garden ; rich, warm, 
gently sloped and, if possible, wath w^ater for irrigation so that 
drouth shall not cause loss. In the spring, work the ground 
and fertilize it as for corn. 

The Kind of Plants to Buy. Deciduous trees should be one 
year old rather than more. They are then from 4 to 16 inches 
tall. As evergreen trees of the same age are rarely over 5 
inches tall, often not more than 2 inches, it usually pays to get 
two-year-olds. 

Planting (Transplanting). When the young trees are re- 
ceived, care for them as directed on p. 16. When ready to plant, 
make furrows 18 inches apart with a hand-plow, going over each 
line twice if necessary to get the required depth. Or, if the soil 
is moist and compact, make a long cleft with a spade along each 
line. This method is often better than furrowing because the 
opening is deeper and the roots are more easily covered. 



22 



FOREST PLANTING. 



,- /■ 







i^*==_ itr./,,. w 



:>^ 
















Fig. g. Furrow Planting and Slit Planting. At left the earth is shown as 
opened by a plow with trees set against the vertical sides but not covered 
in. At right slits have been made with spades to receive the trees. 

Let each planter then take a pail partly filled with trees whose 
roofs have been puddled as directed on p. i8. Beginning at one 
end of a row, he then sets the trees by hand about 6 inches apart. 
If furrows have been made, each tree is set against the vertical 
side and the earth scraped over and packed about its roots. If 
clefts, the tree is pushed down as far as it will go, then with- 
drawn until the collar is level with the ground surface and the 
cleft closed. As always, it is important to spread the roots as 
much as possible, not buch them, and to embed them firmly. 
See p. 19. After the planting is done, run a wheel hoe over the 
rows to close all gaps and level the ground. 

Cultivation. Treat a tree nursery exactly like a garden. The 
planting method indicated implies the use of a wheel hoe. Keep 
the surface soil pulverized and destroy all weeds. Cease culti- 
vating about August 20 so that growth may be checked and the 
shoots have a chance to lignify before frost comes. The weeds 
that grow after that time will help to shield the little trees over 
winter. If some of the trees are lifted by frost, as often happens 
when they are very small, they must be set back at once. 

The Second Year. After the trees have been in the nursery 
a year one of three things is to be done. i. Leave all to grow 
another season. In this case remove all weeds and trees that 
have died and continue the cultivation. This will be the rule 
where small evergreens are concerned. It is good practice if the 





Scotch pine 7 years old, 5 feet high. 



Locust 6 years old, 14 feet high. 




White Ash and Red Oak 7 years old, 
4 feet high. 




Beech 7 years old, 2 feet high. 




Scotch pine 6 years old on a water 
shed. 




pitch pine 2 years old newly planted. 





Jack pine filling a gap in a forest. 

FIG. 10. EXAMPLES OF PLANTED FORESTS 



White pine 30 years old recently 
thinned. 



FOREST PLAXTIXG. 



23 



land to be planted is weedy and strong plants are needed. De- 
ciduous trees can often be induced to grow more vigorously by 
cutting oiT the main stem just above the ground. A sturdy 
sprout soon replaces the first growth. 2. Take everything for 
out-panting. This will be the rule with most deciduous trees 
as they should be large enough. Evergreens may have to stay. 
3. Remove the well grown trees for out-planting and leave the 
smaller ones. This is always good practice if growth has not 
been uniform, as the weaklings then have a better chance. 

Purpose of a Nursery. It is well to remember that the object 
of nursery treatment is to produce trees that are healthy and 
vigorous, that can be transplanted safely and that will give 
quick results in their permanent places. This is attained in 
commercial nurseries by constant care and thorough cultivation. 
Trees in a private nursery require no less. 

THE COST OF A PLANTATION. 

It is self-evident that a plantation can be made to cost more 
than it is worth — by using big trees, by spending more time than 
is necessary. It is quite as easy to do the work so hastily that 
there will be no permanent result. The necessary outlay in- 
cludes only the cost of trees, delivery, labor in planting, and 
sometimes a charge for removing brush and putting the land 
in shape. Fair average costs may be estimated as follows: 

COST OF PLANTED FOREST PER ACRE. 



Trees set 


6 ft. X 6 
per acre. 


Ordinary 


Conifers. 


Deciduous 
Trees. 


f t.= 1 2 1 


4-year 
transplants 
8"-i2" tall 


3-year 
seedlings 
S"-8" tall 


I -year 
seedlings 
4"-8" tall 




(at $10 per M.) 
$12.10 

I.OO 

4.00 


(at $4 per M.) 

$4.84 
•75 

3-50 


(at $3 per M.) 
$?-63 


Freight 
Planting 
20c per 


& haul 

time 

hr. . . 


at 


•75 
^.00 








Total 


$17.10 


$9.09 


%7-3f^ 



These costs can be materially reduced if the plants are bought 
small — 2-year seedling conifers can be had for $3.00 per M and 
cultivated one or two \ears in a nursery. See ]). 21. .^omo 



24 FOREST PLANTINXt. 

saving may also be made in planting cost, though too great 
speed always means poor work and ultimate loss. Of course, 
if home labor is employed, the entire planting cost may be ig- 
nored. On the other hand the cost may be considerably increased 
if many trees die and replacements become necessary. German 
forest plantations rarely cost less than $10 an acre even with the 
low wages that prevail. 

WHERE TO GET MATERIAL FOR FOREST PIANTING. 

The State of Nezv Jersey Furnishes No Trees to Forest Planters. 

Young trees can be obtained from many nurserymen, al- 
though as a rule those who handle ornamental stock do not have 
the large quantities of small trees that often are wanted, or are 
not prepared to make the price low enough. 

Buyers are recommended to satisfy their needs from nurseries 
within the State, and, other things being equal, from that which 
is nearest the planting site, or which will deliver the stock with 
least delay. In all cases it is advisable to stipulate that stock 
shall be taken from the ground of the vendor — not assembled 
from other nurseries. 

The following carry a good variety in moderate quantities : 

Bound Brook Nurseries. Bound Brook. 

The Shrewsbury Nurseries, Eatontown. 

The Elizabeth Nursery Co., Elizabeth. 

Hiram T. Jones, Elizabeth. 

Joseph H. Black, Son & Co., Hightstown. 

North Jersey Nurseries, Millburn. 

Arthur J. Collins, Moorestown 

Bobbink and Atkins, Rutherford 

Steele's Pomona Nurseries, Palmyra 

F. and F. Nurseries, Springfield 

As there are no nurseries in the State especially devoted to 
forestry stock, it is sometimes advantageous to buy large quan- 
tities outside — -specifying always that the trees shall be grown 
by the seller, and that prices shall be based upon size, not upon 
age alone. 

The following are trustworthy : 

North-Eastern Forestry Co., New Haven, Conn. 

D. Hill Nursery Co., Dundee, 111. 

Isaac Hicks and Son, Westbury, L. I. 

Biltmore Nurseries, Biltmore, N. C. 

American Forestry Co. South Framingham, Mass. 



FOREST PLANT I XG. 25 

THE i'KUlilT IN PLANTED FORESTS. 

Xo planted forest can be a bonanza. Tree growth rarely 
a\e rages more than six per cent, a year (wood volume), con- 
sequently the profit is determined by what the land will pro- 
duce plus the increase in land and lumber values, minus the cost 
of care, taxes and compound interest on the investment. As 
land values and lumber values are steadily increasing, while 
planting costs are as low as they ever will be, almost any plan- 
tation made now on land of low value is practically sure to yield 
a fair profit. As forestry has no place on land that is valuable 
for something else, moderate returns are many times better than 
nothing at all. The following will show what may reasonably 
be expected, though it is emphasized that no one really knows 
what lumber will be worth forty or fifty years hence or what 
expense in the way of taxes, etc., may be involved. We can 
only make estimates, using the best knowledge that we have 
of rates of growth and the tendencies of lumber and land values, 
and of tax levies. The latter in particular are so uncertain 
that each owner must make his own estimate of the probable 
burden. For the sake of simplicity only initial costs and final 
vield are considered. In fact, there will be some intermediate 
costs and some income from thinnings. The latter, however, 
should more than balance the former. Immunity from fire and 
other dangers is assumed. Forestry is utterly impracticable 
where there are forest fires ! 



26 FOREST PLANTING. 



EXAMPLE 1. 

EXPECTED PROFIT FROM A PLANTATION OF WHITE PINE OR AUSTRIAN 
PINE ON ROCKY GROUND IN NORTH JERSEY PER ACRE. 

INVESTMENT. 

Land $6.00 

Planting Cost 9.00 



$15.00 with compound interest at 5 

per cent, for 40 years.... = $105.60 
Taxes — -i per cent, on land value=6 cents paid annually for 20 years ; 
then I per cent, on $30 (average value land and forest)=30 cents 

for 20 years ; all with compound interest at 5 per cent = 15.16 

Protection=:io cents paid annually for 40 years with 5 per cent, com- 
pound interest = 12.08 



Total investment $132.84 

YIELD. 

Sale Value after 40 years : 

20 M ft. lumber at $10 per M stumpage , $200.00 

Land at original price 6.00 



Total $206.00 

Less cost 1 32.84 

Net profit $73.16 

Or, figured another way : 

. INVESTMENT. 

Land $6.00 

Planting Cost 9.00 

Capital at 5 per cent, required to produce cost of Taxes and Protection 

as above 3.00 



Total $20.00 

YIELD. 

Sale Value after 40 years : 

20 M ft. lumber at $10 per M stumpage $200.00 

Land at original price 6.00 

Capital for expenses 5.00 



Total $211.00 

This $211. equals 6 per cent, compound interest on the original investment 
of $20. 



FOREST PLANTING. 27 



EXAMPLE 2. 

EXPEgXEU PROFIT FROM A PLANTATION OF RED PINE ON SANDY SOIL 
IN SOUTH JERSEY PER ACRE, 

I.WESTMENT. 

Land $S.oo 

Planting Cost 8.00 

$13.00 with compound interest at 5 

per cent, for 60 years. . . .=^ $242.84 
Taxes — i per cent, on land valuers cents paid annually for 20 years ; 
then I per cent, on $20 (average value land and forest):^20 cents 

foi -rO years ; all with compound interest at s per cent = 35.80 

Protection — 10 cents paid annually for 60 years with compound interest 

at 5 per cent = 3S.36 



Total investment $314.00 

YIELD. 

Sale value after 60 years : 

30 M ft. lumber at $12 per M stumpage $360.00 

Land at original price 5.00 



Total $365.00 

Less cost 314.00 



Net profit $51.00 

Or figured to show the rate of profit as in the first example : 



INVESTMENT. 



Land $5.00 

Planting Cost 8.00 

Capital at 5 per cent, required to produce cost of Taxes and Protection 

as above 4- 1 3 



Total investment $i".i3 

YIELD. 

Sale Value after 60 years : 

30 M ft. lumber at $12 per M stumpage $360.00 

Land at original price 5-oo 

Capital at 5 per cent. re(juired to produce cost of Taxes and Pro- 
tection as above 4- 1 3 



Total $369.13 

This $369.13 equals 5.25 per cent, compound interest on the original invest- 
ment of $17.13. 



FOREST PLANTING. 



EXA:\rPLE ?,. 

EXPECTED PROFIT FROM A PLANTATION OF COTTONWOOD ON DISUSED 
BUT SUFFICIENTLY STRONG LAND IN NORTH OR SOUTH JERSEY 

PER ACRE. 

INVESTMENT. 

Land $ i o 

Planting Cost i o 

$20 with compound interest at s 

per cent, for 30 years.... = $86.40 
Taxes — i per cent, on land value=io cents paid annually for 10 years; 
then I per cent, on $25 (average value land and forest)=:25 cents 

for 20 years ; all with compound interest at 5 per cent = 11.60 

Protection — 10 cents paid annually for 30 years with compound interest 

at 5 per cent = 6.64 

Total investment $104.64 

YIELD. 

Sale Value after 30 years : 

25 M ft. lumber at $10 per M stumpage $250.00 

Land at original price 10. oo 

Total $260.00 

Less cost 1 04.64 

Net profit $iS5-36 

This may be calcvilated, in the same way as the two former illustrations, as 
equivalent to 8 per cent, compound interest on the original investment. 



STATE AID IN FORESTRY. 

To encourage the practice of forestry on private lands, the 
Forest Commission offers the services of its foresters, so far as 
their time will permit, to all who ask for them. The assistance 
given includes the examination of woodlands and making recom- 
mendations for their management. Where cutting is necessary, 
a part of the trees to be felled will be marked to guide the 
owner in the removal of the rest. Advice in regard to markets 
will be given, but in no case will the forester have part or inter- 
est in a sale. Those who wish to undertake forest planting will 



FOREST PLANTING. 29 

be advised regarding" the most suitable species for their situa- 
tions, how to obtain the trees and how to plant them. The State 
supplies no planting material. Fire protective plans will also 
be formulated. 

In all cases the assistance given is advisory. There is no obli- 
gation to follow the recommendations made, though where they 
are acted upon the Forest Commission claims the right to in- 
spect the property from time to time and to publish facts con- 
cerning the work for the benefit of the public. The cost to the 
owner is the forester's actual expenses while away from Trenton. 
His salary is paid by the State. Public institutions, Shade Tree 
Commissions, etc., will be aided without charge. Inquiries by- 
mail on any forest or shade tree matter will be carefully an- 
swered. 

Write to the State Forester, Trenton, about anything relating 
to forests or shade trees — not fruit trees. 

FOREST FIRES MUST NOT BE TOLERATED. 



1 



INDEX 



PAGE 

A 

Ash 9 

Ash, white 12, 14 

Assistance to forest planters 7, 28 

B 

Ball plants 1 5 

Balsam 11,14 

Basswood 12, 14 

Box boards 10, 12 

C 

Care of plantations 20 

Catalpa 9, 13 

Cherry, black 9 

Choice of species 8, 10 

Christmas trees 12 

Cleaning plantations 20 

Cleft planting 18, 21 

Climate 8 

Cost of plantations 23 

Cost of trees 23 

Cottonwood 9, 12, 14, 17 

Cultivation 22 

Cutting back 20 

D 

Deciduous trees 9, 1 5 

E 

Eucalyptus 13 

Evergreen trees 9, 15, 16 

F 

Fall planting 2 1 

Fir ^ 9, 11, 14 

Fir, dou gl as 11,14 

Fir, silver 14 

Forest tires 25, 29 

Forest planting, need of ... . 7 

Forest planting, places for . . 7 

Forest planting, profit in . . . 8 

Forest soil 7, 9 

Frost 22 

Fruit trees 9 

H 

Handling trees l 5 

Heeling in 16 

Hickory 9, 12, 14 

I 

Intervals .• 17,20 



PAGE 

K 

Kind of plants to buy 15, 21 

L 

Larch, European 11, 14 

Lining out 18 

Locust 13, 14, 17 

M 

Maple, silver 13 

Mattocks 18 

Mixed forest 8 

N 

Number of trees per acre . . 17 

Nursery, forest 21 

Nurserymen 24 

Nursery, purpose of 23 

Nut trees 9 

O 

Oak, red 12, 14 

Oak, white 9 

Ordering trees l5 

Outplanting 18 

P 

Paper pulp 1 1 

Pine 9, 10, 11, 14 

Pine, Austrian 10, 14 

Pine, loblolly, 11 

Pine, Norway (See Pine, red) 

Pine, pitch 9, 10, 14 

Pine, red 10, 14 

Pine, Scotch 10, 14 

Pine, shortleaf 11,14 

Pine, white 9, 10, 14 

Plantation, cost of 23 

Planting 18, 19 

Planting crew 18 

Planting, forest (See Forest 
planting) 

Planting in triangles 17 

Planting, rate per day 20 

Planting speed 20 

Planting in squares 17 

Poplar (See Tulip and Cot- 
tonwood) 

Posts 11, 12, 13 

Profit in planted forests. . . . 25-28 

Puddling 18 

Pure forest 8 



(30) 



INDEX. 



31 



Quick growing species .... 9 

R 

Railroad ties 12, 1 3 

Replacement 20 

S 

-Seed sowing 15 

Shade endurance (See Tol- 
erance) 

Shade trees 7 

Size of trees 15 

Soil 8, 14 

i>pacing 17 

Spring planting 21 

Spruce 9 

Spruce, Norway 11, 14 

State aid 7, 28 



PACil. 

T 

Thinning 17, 21 

Time to plant 21 

Tolerance 9 

Transplanting 21 

Tree growth 2 5 

Trees, cost of 23 

Trees not recommended ... 13 

Trees, where to get 24 

Tulip poplar 12, 14 

U 

Underplanting 7 

W 

Walnut, black 9, 1 3 

Where to get trees 24 

Y 

Yield from plantations . .10, 11, 12 



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